Jovi Wahinekapu Lefotu (21) forced a turnover and scored in transition before the buzzer in the second quarter. Brandon Ching | SL

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Thu, Dec 9, 2021 @ Iolani

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Hawaii Baptist

34

Iolani

78

Final	1	2	3	4
Hawaii Baptist (9-4, 14-7)	7	11	4	12	34
Iolani (11-0, 15-2)	24	18	19	17	78

J. Wahinekapu Lefotu 14 pts  4/4 FTs

E. Wada 11 pts  1 3pm  2/3 FTs

Iolani 78, Hawaii Baptist Academy 34

Five Raiders scored in double figures as the host team cruised into the semifinals at the Lower Gym of the Father Kenneth A. Bray Athletic Center.

After COVID-19 shutdown the Iolani Classic in 2020 and the 2020-2021 winter season was wiped out, it was good to be back on the court with a crowd. Exhibition games were intrasquad or against other schools but without fans.

"It's awesome to play real games in front of live fans. Having live fans brings a whole different dynamic to a basketball game. You definitely feel the energy in the air tonight the nerves. The crowd definitely pushes the team," Iolani coach Dean Young said.

The Raiders advance to the semifinals and take on Archbishop Mitty in the 8 p.m. game on Friday, Dec. 10. Maryknoll and HBA play in the 3:30 p.m. game. 

Jovi Wahinekapu Lefotu, a University of Hawaii signee, led the way with 14 points, Haylie-Anne Ohta added 13, Abby Tanaka, Jaety Mandaquit, and Callie Pieper each chipped in 11.

The two-time defending Division I state champions turned over Hawaii Baptist which led to transition points and took a 24-7 lead after the first quarter.

"It was about communicating, we were able to jump passing lanes. It really involved communication with each other and ball pressure. When you combine ball pressure and you're jumping lanes, you can get those," Young said.

The Raiders hit 11 3-pointers in the game, led by Mandaquit, who had three for the game. Ohta hit a pair of 3's in the second quarter and Tanaka hit her pair of triples in the third quarter.

Hawaii Baptist clawed back, but Lefotu had a steal and layup to beat the buzzer for a 42-18 lead at halftime.

Pieper and Mele Sake, both listed at 6-feet provided size in the paint and their length bothered the smaller Eagles.

"It's nice. Both are taller than any player we've had in the past four or five years. It's a luxury to have someone who can rebound, block and alter shots. I'm loving it. I'm loving having a big in our offense and defense and find ways to utilize them more," Young said.

All 10 players on Iolani's roster scored.

Emi Wada led Hawaii Baptist with 11 points, Joey Lin added 10, and Hayley Taka with six.

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Archbishop Mitty 68, Maryknoll 31

The Spartans kept it close in the first quarter, but the Monarchs from San Jose, California, got hot and poured it on in the second quarter to pull away for good.

Maryknoll got within a point after Ciera Tugade-Agasiva's basket, but Elle Hanson drained back-to-back triples from the right wing to help give the Monarchs a 14-8 lead after the first quarter.

Archbishop Mitty turned to its full court press and turned over the Spartans during their 17-0 run in the second quarter.

Maryknoll did not make a field goal and Hailey Perez broke the scoring drought with a free throw at the 3:30 mark and got two more points from the charity stripe.

Morgan Cheli, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, led all scorers with 20 points and three 3-pointers. Siena Guttadauro added 10 and a pair of triples and Makayla Moore had nine for the Monarchs.

Tugade-Agasiva led Maryknoll with 12 points and Lilly Koki chipped in nine in defeat.